Pakistan opener Abdullah Shafique, playing his first World Cup game, has stepped up and showed his class against Sri Lanka by smashing a century.
The Men in Green are currently chasing a mammoth 345-run target at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in their second game of the 2023 edition of the World Cup.
The youngster took authority of the chase and played one of the best knocks a Pakistan batter played in the competition ever. With this century, he already has a record for most runs on a debut innings by a Pakistani batter.
Meanwhile, the 23-year-old received plenty of praise for his knock from former cricketers, analysts and fans. They rated Abdullah as a special player and hailed him for crafting his knock in a massive chase.
Former Chief Selector Mohammad Wasim opined on X (formerly Twitter): "That’s a special 100 by a very special player."
Meanwhile, renowned Indian commentator Harsha Bhogle also hailed 'fine player' Abdullah.
"This is a superbly crafted run chase and it is the 50 over format, where there is time for innings building, that allows fine players like Abdullah Shafique to have a role."
Meanwhile, former cricketers Saeed Ajmal and Mohammad Amir were astounded by Abdullah's batting.
Abdullah went back to the pavilion after scoring 113 in 103 balls, powered by ten fours and three sixes.
- Abdullah Shafique
